Top 5 matches at the Aircel Chennai Open over the years

The Aircel Chennai Open has witnessed several memorable matches over the years; the fans have been treated to scintillating tennis from some of the best players in the world. India’s only ATP event has been home to many talented players as they look to start the season on a high by doing well in Chennai!Stan Wawrinka clinched the singles title last year and went on to win his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open. Marin Cilic, a two-time Chennai Open champion, won his first Major in the form of the US Open last year. The likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, Pat Rafter and Boris Becker have also played in this ATP 250 event.Let us take a look at some of the best matches played at the AircelChennai Open over the years:

#5 Karol Kucera vs Fabrice Santoro, 2002 quarterfinals

Karol Kucera was nobody’s favourite to reach the last four in 2002 as he took on third seed Fabrice Santoro in the quarterfinals. But the man known as the ‘Little Cat’ got off to a brilliant start and dominated proceedings to take the first set 6-2.

Santoro did not back down though, as he staved off four match points – two in the 10th game when Kucera served for the match, and two more in the tie-break – before wrapping up the second set on the 20th point of the tie-break.

Kucera’s backhand was working like magic and he was returning superbly too, piling on winners as the match went on. Santoro on his part hit some terrific forehand slices and powerful backhands to negate Kucera’s backhand approach shots. The Frenchman was in trouble in the 10th game of the decider at 0-40, but managed to escape with some fine serving to send the set to a tie-break. 

Kucera played a low forehand cross volley to seal the match in his favour. The Slovak received a standing ovation for his giant killing effort.

Match Result: Karol Kucera beat Fabrice Santoro 6-2, 6-7 (9), 7-6 (5).